The Benefits of Cannabis Edibles for Long-Term Pain Management

Chronic pain affects millions worldwide and is defined as pain that lasts more than 12 weeks. It can be caused by injury, disease, or nerve damage and is a complex and multi-faceted condition. In recent years, medical cannabis has been gaining momentum as a treatment option, and many patients are reporting significant symptom relief.

The legal landscape around medical cannabis varies by state, but many states have legalized it for chronic pain. Traditional treatment approaches combine medication, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes. Cannabis is a new option for those who have found traditional methods don’t work for them and are looking for alternative ways to treat chronic pain.

What is Chronic Pain?

Chronic pain is not monolithic; it does encompass several types, including neuropathic pain, nociceptive pain, and mixed pain. Neuropathic pain is caused by nerve damage and feels like burning or tingling; nociceptive pain is caused by tissue damage or inflammation. Chronic pain often exacerbates mental health issues, causes anxiety and depression, and diminishes the quality of life.

Conditions like multiple sclerosis can also lead to chronic pain, further complicating the patient’s quality of life.

Overall, a holistic approach is needed. Medical cannabis has emerged as a powerful tool in the treatment of chronic pain, especially neuropathic types. With its unique properties, cannabis may be the solution for those who are tired of feeling uncomfortable.

The Science of Cannabis and Pain Relief

At the core of cannabis’s therapeutic benefits are cannabinoids – active compounds that interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). This complex system regulates pain, mood, and many physiological processes. Two of the most well-known cannabinoids are THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol) – THC is psychoactive, and CBD is therapeutic with no psychoactive effects.

Cannabinoids bind to specific receptors (CB1 and CB2) throughout the body and affect pain pathways and inflammatory responses. Cannabinoids also play a role in disease control, potentially reducing the need for opioids and improving overall pain management. More research is needed to understand how it works.

How Cannabinoids Work

Cannabinoids interact with the body’s opioid system to increase pain relief and potentially reduce dependence on traditional opioids. This interaction may also help in reducing the risk of opioid use disorder, a common issue among chronic pain patients. They also interact with the inflammatory response and can reduce swelling and discomfort. The ECS’s role in pain modulation is a strong argument for including cannabinoids in pain management.

Cannabis Edibles for Pain Relief

Cannabis edibles have an edge in pain management, especially with their long-lasting relief. Unlike smoking or vaping, which gives quick effects, edibles give slow and steady absorption, and the effects can last for several hours. This long-lasting relief is especially good for neuropathic pain and chronic cancer pain. While cannabis edibles are effective for chronic pain, they are not typically recommended for acute pain, which requires different treatment approaches.

Adding cannabis edibles to your treatment plan can increase overall pain relief and is a safer alternative to opioids which have risks of addiction and severe side effects.

The Benefits of Cannabis Edibles for Long-Term Pain Management

The long-lasting effects of cannabis edibles are a big advantage. Many people experience relief that lasts beyond the initial onset. The duration of the effects will vary, depending on individual physiology, dosage and the type of edible consumed. This is good for those with chronic pain conditions.

Cannabis Edibles vs Traditional Pain Treatments

When compared to traditional pain management options, cannabis edibles are a safer alternative. Traditional options like NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) and acetaminophen give short-term relief but can have side effects, especially with long-term use. Edibles is a natural approach and covers a range of chronic pain conditions as a holistic option.

A Safer Alternative to Opioids

Opioids have been the preferred option for pain relief for a long time, but their addictive nature and risks can be alarming. Alternatively, cannabis edibles are a promising alternative for treating chronic pain with a lower risk of dependency and overdose. For patients with chronic pain like neuropathic or cancer-related pain, edibles can improve quality of life and minimize the risks of opioid use.

Choosing the Right Cannabis Edible for Pain Management

Choosing the right cannabis edible requires careful consideration of several factors – the strain of cannabis (Indica vs Sativa), dosage, and method of consumption. Indica strains are for relaxation, and Sativa strains are for energy and focus. Each individual’s response can be different, so it’s important to tailor your choices to your needs.

Our medical cannabis doctors can help you navigate these options so you can get the most out of managing your chronic pain.

Safety and Effectiveness

Cannabis edibles can be safe and effective when used properly but may cause side effects like dizziness and anxiety. This is why it is crucial to use it with caution, especially when taken with other medications. Follow the recommended dosage and method of consumption to minimize the risks and have a better therapeutic experience.

Is Cannabis Safe for Chronic Pain?

Cannabis has a good safety profile for chronic pain management, but it is essential to acknowledge the side effects and seek guidance from a healthcare provider. Interactions with other medications, especially anticoagulants and antidepressants, need to be monitored to prevent complications.

Effective Dosage and Administration

Finding the right dosage of cannabis edibles is not a one-size-fits-all. Individual response varies greatly depending on body weight, metabolism, and the condition being treated. Start with a low dose and titrate as needed to find the right balance.

Combining Cannabis Edibles with Other Pain Management Strategies

Combining cannabis edibles with other pain management strategies can be a highly effective way to manage chronic pain. Research has shown that using cannabis in conjunction with other pain management techniques, such as physical therapy, acupuncture, and medication, can provide significant relief. 

For instance, a study published in the Journal of Pain Research found that patients who incorporated cannabis into their pain management regimen experienced notable reductions in pain intensity and an improved quality of life.

When integrating cannabis edibles with other pain management strategies, it’s crucial to consider potential interactions between cannabis and other medications. For example, cannabis can interact with opioids, potentially increasing the risk of adverse effects. Therefore, consulting with a healthcare professional before combining cannabis edibles with other treatments is essential.

Popular pain management strategies that can be combined with cannabis edibles include:

Physical Therapy: This can help improve mobility and reduce pain by strengthening muscles and enhancing joint function.

Acupuncture: Involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to stimulate healing and alleviate pain.

Meditation and Mindfulness: Practices like yoga and deep breathing can reduce stress and anxiety, which often contribute to chronic pain.

Medication: Certain medications, such as NSAIDs, can be used alongside cannabis edibles to provide comprehensive pain relief.

By combining these strategies, individuals can create a more holistic and effective approach to managing chronic pain.

Future Research and Developments in Cannabis Edibles

As the use of cannabis edibles for chronic pain management continues to grow, there is a pressing need for further research and development in this area. Several potential areas of research could significantly enhance the safety, efficacy, and accessibility of cannabis edibles.

Standardization of Cannabis Edibles: Standardizing the potency and composition of cannabis edibles could help improve their safety and efficacy. Consistent dosing and reliable product quality are crucial for effective pain management.

Development of New Cannabis-Based Products: Researchers are exploring the development of new cannabis-based products, such as topical creams and transdermal patches, which could provide more targeted and effective pain relief. These innovations could offer additional options for those who prefer not to consume edibles.

Investigation of Cannabis’s Mechanisms of Action: Further research is needed to understand how cannabis works to relieve pain and to identify potential new targets for pain relief. This knowledge could lead to the development of more effective treatments.

Clinical Trials: Large-scale clinical trials are essential to fully evaluate the safety and efficacy of cannabis edibles for chronic pain management. These trials can provide the robust evidence needed to support the use of cannabis edibles in clinical practice.

Overall, the future of cannabis edibles for chronic pain management looks promising. Ongoing research and development efforts aim to improve the safety, efficacy, and accessibility of these products, offering hope for better pain management solutions.

Dr. Jack Rothman

Dr. Rothman is a diplomate of the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology.  He has received multiple special awards and recognitions, including Physician of the Year, from the Pinellas County Medical Association (2014 – 2015) and the President’s Service Award from the Pinellas County Medical Society.

He attended medical school at State University of New York Upstate Medical Center in Syracuse, New York, where he also completed his Obstetrics and Gynecology residency. In addition to practicing medicine, Dr. Rothman’s professional career includes being an Assistant Professor at the University of South Florida and Clinical Instructor at the University of Tampa’s College of Nursing.

Dr. Rothman received his Florida Medical Marijuana Physicians Certification in 2016 and was one of the first recommending physicians through DocMJ in the state and is loved by many of those early patients today.